Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels: The Fight, The Tattoo, and The Talk of the Town

Detroit is heating up this summer—not just from the July temps, but from the firestorm that is Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels! Detroit is about to witness history. On July 26, 2025, Little Caesars Arena will transform into a battleground as the undisputed queen of boxing, Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields, steps into the ring with New Zealand’s own Lani “The Smiling Assassin” Daniels for the heavyweight fight of the year. But just days before the showdown, Shields made headlines for something outside the ring—and fans can’t stop talking about it.

Let’s get into it: the belts, the fighters, the stakes—and yes, the tattoo that has everyone buzzing.

A Fight Bigger Than Belts

This fight isn’t just about belts—it’s about legacy. Claressa Shields is coming into the match as the first boxer in history (male or female) to become undisputed champion in three separate weight divisions: light middleweight, middleweight, and now heavyweight.

At only 30 years old, her résumé is already stacked

• Two-time Olympic gold medalist (London 2012, Rio 2016)

• Undefeated professional record: 16-0, with wins over Christina Hammer, Savannah Marshall, and Hanna Gabriels

• Undisputed at 154 lbs, 160 lbs, and now looking to retain her undisputed heavyweight title

But don’t count out Lani Daniels—not for a second.

The 36-year-old from New Zealand is coming off an impressive run. She held the IBF women’s heavyweight title in 2023 and is now the reigning IBF light heavyweight champion. Daniels represents the Māori community and is known for her cool demeanor, technical precision, and relentless drive.

Her record stands at 11-2-2, and she’s walking into this match with something Shields isn’t used to facing: fearlessness.

Two Women, Two Worlds, One Ring

Claressa Shields grew up in Flint, Michigan, surrounded by hardship, doubt, and struggle. But she turned adversity into ammunition. Her rise to the top of boxing was fueled by determination, an unmatched work ethic, and a confidence that borders on prophecy. She doesn't just fight—she dominates.

Lani Daniels, on the other hand, comes from humble beginnings in Northland, New Zealand. As a proud Māori woman, Daniels carries her community’s pride with her into every ring. Her calm and stoic personality contrasts Shields’ fire—but that balance is what makes this match so electrifying. Daniels may not have Shields' spotlight, but she has the grit, the hunger, and a growing international fanbase rooting for the underdog upset.

Enter the Tattoo Heard Around the World

Just when the press thought the weigh-in would be routine, Claressa Shields flipped the narrative. Dressed in a fur-trimmed robe and two-piece swimsuit, she revealed something unexpected during her pose-off: a tattoo across her underbust that reads “Papoose.”

Yes. That Papoose. The legendary rapper, known for his relationship with Remy Ma, lyrical skill, and unwavering support of Black women.

Now, fans are putting two and two together, and the internet is in shambles. Are they dating? Did she get it for attention? What happened with Remy Ma? Did Claressa just throw herself into the middle of hip-hop’s most complicated love triangle?

While neither Claressa nor Papoose has publicly confirmed a relationship, the tattoo is bold. It’s ink. It’s permanent. And Shields didn’t hide it—she flaunted it. Unapologetically.

Social Media Reacts: “GWOAT Energy or Nah?”

From Twitter to TikTok, reactions have been mixed but messy, just the way the internet likes it:

• “Why would she tattoo another woman’s man on her chest???”

• “She always about that real GWOAT energy. Claressa do what she want.”

• “Papoose better be in her corner then.”

• “PR stunt or nah?”

Some praised her confidence and authenticity. Others questioned the timing. Either way, the tattoo did what Claressa Shields does best—it shook the table.

Psychological Warfare?

If you think this tattoo wasn’t strategic, think again.

Shields is a marketing mastermind. She knows how to build anticipation, how to get her name in headlines, and how to get people talking. By adding a layer of mystery and drama just before fight night, she’s managed to dominate not just the sports news cycle, but entertainment gossip blogs too.

It’s a reminder that Claressa is more than a boxer—she’s a brand, a disruptor, and a woman who isn’t afraid to turn vulnerability into power.

More Than a Fight

This isn’t just a match between two great fighters—it’s a cultural event.

• For women’s boxing, it’s a milestone. An all-women’s main event at a major venue, for the most prestigious titles in the sport.

• For Black women and Indigenous women, it’s a moment of visibility, power, and pride.

• For boxing fans, it’s a rare matchup that features two technically gifted fighters who are both out to make history.

No matter who wins, this will be one for the books.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

• Time: Main card starts 8PM ET | Ring walk ~10PM ET

• Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

• How to Watch: Stream it live on DAZN

The fight is epic. The tattoo is chaotic. And the culture is locked in.

Claressa Shields may be defending her belts, but she’s also making a statement about who she is as a woman, as an athlete, and as a force of nature. Whether it’s her punches or her ink, she doesn’t miss.

Lani Daniels? She’s the underdog with a nation behind her, walking into Shields' backyard ready to pull off the upset of the year.We’re watching history unfold—and we’ll be talking about this night long after the final bell.

Who you got? #TeamShields or #TeamDaniels? Drop your thoughts below. 👇🏽

Sources: DAZN, RNZ, Wikipedia, Hot New HipHop, Hot97